Finding our links in History - One Genealogist's thoughts, tidbits, and inspirations - All very much randomly posed.
One person's life does not stand-alone but interacts with family, neighbors, community, and history. Our Trees become Tangled just by living. --
T.

Monday, July 25, 2011

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure—and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows—when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children—is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the brightest day and in the darkest night—amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours—always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

I found this photo mixed in with some genealogy related emails & letters I had stored away when moving. I have no idea who this person is, there is no identification written on it. The only clue is the name & location of the studio.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

"U.S. Marine `Raiders' and their dogs, which are used for scouting and running messages, starting off for the jungle front lines on Bougainville." T.Sgt. J. Sarno, ca. November/December 1943. 127-GR-84-68407; National Archives.

In 1790, Alexander Hamilton, then Secretary of the Treasury, developed a "System of Cutters" forming the Revenue Cutter Service, an armed maritime law enforcement service which later combined with other government entities to form the United States Coast Guard.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Zion Strict or Particular Baptist Chapel, Union Street, Trowbridge, originated in 1813 with the secession of 41 worshippers from the Back Street congregation in consequence of their disapproval of the doctrines preached by its newly appointed minister. The original premises on Wicker Hill, near the Town Bridge, was rented from Thomas Timbrell, and the congregation worshiped in the upper room. Our ancestor, John Warburton, was the first settled pastor of this church being appointed in 1815. His popular preaching overfilled the premises so that in 1816 the congregation was obliged to purchase a site in Union Street, and there erected a chapel capable of seating 700.
Zion Chapel graveyard was closed in 1856, but Zion Baptist Church still welcomes members today.

The Gooding Tavern served Little River Turnpike travelers
and stagecoach passengers from 1807 –1879 and was famous for “the best fried chicken” and
“peaches and honey.” For the community,
the tavern served as a
social and commercial gathering
place. The Goodings also
operated a blacksmith shop and stable.
Several Civil War skirmishes occurred around the tavern. On 24 August 1863, Confederate Partisan Ranger Maj. John S. Mosby was severely
wounded by the Union 2ndMassachusetts Cavalry. Two of his officers were killed and
three men wounded. Union losses included: two killed, three wounded and nine prisoners
taken. The tavern burned down in 1879.

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Thanks to the
following who made donations for the
funding of the historical marker:

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

This poster, created by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1917, was part of a World War 1 conservation project encouraging citizens to grow their own food, freeing up the commercial food for use in the war effort.